Business Development Director (Government Programs)

Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits.

We are seeking a Business Development Director to lead Freeform’s growth across US government agencies and military organizations. This role is responsible for identifying, shaping, and winning strategic opportunities across DoD organizations, military branches, program offices, and federal innovation pathways. Success requires a strong understanding of how government programs are structured, funded, competed, and executed, from early prototyping efforts through production scale contracts. 

The ideal candidate understands how to navigate acquisition pathways, build long term relationships with program managers and mission owners, and translate operational needs into executable contracting strategies. This may include prior experience within a government organization, military service, or a company that has successfully captured and executed federal contracts, though direct government service is not required. 

You will operate at the intersection of technology, mission need, and contracting, helping Freeform expand its role in programs where manufacturing capability directly influences system performance, supply chain resilience, and deployment timelines. Freeform is already supporting mission critical government initiatives and is expanding its engagement as demand for advanced manufacturing capabilities continues to increase. 

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute Freeform’s government growth strategy across DoD agencies and military branches 
• Identify, qualify, and shape new opportunities across BAAs, RFIs, RFPs, SBIR and STTR programs, and OTA pathways 
• Lead capture strategy for key government programs, including proposal development, contract structuring, and long-term program positioning 
• Build and maintain relationships with government program managers, technical leads, mission owners, and acquisition personnel 
• Navigate federal acquisition processes including FAR based contracts, OTAs, rapid acquisition pathways, and prototype to production transitions 
• Align Freeform’s technical capabilities with mission driven requirements across aerospace, space, propulsion, and defense systems 
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to define executable scope, cost models, and scalable production plans for government customers 
• Support the transition of early-stage prototype programs into sustained production contracts 
• Provide executive leadership with insight into federal budget cycles, program timing, and emerging mission priorities 
• Represent Freeform in government facing forums, industry days, and defense innovation engagements 

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university 
• 10+ years of experience in business development, capture, program strategy, or related roles within federal or defense markets 
• Demonstrated experience identifying and winning US government contracts 
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition cycles and federal contracting structures 
• Experience engaging directly with government program offices and acquisition stakeholders 
• Must be located in the Greater Los Angeles area, Washington DC, or be willing to relocate to either 

Nice to Have: 

• Prior experience working within a US government organization or military branch 
• Former military service 
• Direct experience with OTAs, FAR based contracts, SBIR or STTR programs, or rapid acquisition pathways 
• Experience transitioning programs from prototype to production within a government context 
• Active or previously held security clearance 
• Educational background in engineering or technical discipline 
• Strong understanding of aerospace, propulsion, structural systems, manufacturing, or high-performance hardware programs 

Location:

• Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and production together under one roof. We operate at the center of LA’s deep tech ecosystem, surrounded by some of the most ambitious hardware innovation happening anywhere in the country.

What We Offer: 

• We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions. 
• We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology. 
• Benefits
  • Significant stock option packages 
  • 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options) 
  • Life insurance 
  • Traditional and Roth 401(k) 
  • Relocation assistance provided 
  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays 
  • Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent 
  • Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette 
  • Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events
• Compensation
  • As an early-stage startup, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company’s current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role. 
  • In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated salary range for this role is $150,000-$200,000, plus substantial quarterly bonus targets. 
• Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.